Dr. Ozzie Smith received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University and a Master of Education degree in Music from the University of Memphis. As a music scholar and teacher, Smith served as instructor of instrumental music for the Memphis City Schools for 13 years, adjunct professor of music for LeMoyne Owen College (Memphis), and part-time lecturer for the Music Department of Chicago State University (Chicago). His talents as a saxophonist, bass guitarist, and percussionist caused him to be sought after by world-renowned groups like the Temptations, the Dells, and Rufus Thomas, yet when he heard the spirit of God calling him to preach the gospel he not only accepted the call, but poured himself as whole-heartedly into the ministry as he did his music. Leaving his career and business behind, Smith left Memphis and moved to Chicago to pursue his call to the ministry under the tutelage of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr.
Rev. Smith received his Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was named the Samuel Dewit Proctor Fellow recipient and received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Ordained by the United Church of Christ in 1994 he served as Associate Pastor/Music Staff Supervisor at Trinity United Church of Christ for six years. At Trinity his responsibilities included preaching, teaching at the TUCC Center for African Biblical Studies, ministerial liaison for various ministries, as well as staff musician.
In 1996 he accepted God's call to organize Covenant United Church of Christ, a new church start in South Holland, IL. The church began on Easter Sunday in 1996 in a small sanctuary that had previously been abandoned. Proving that God is able to redeem what we thrust aside, after Smith's first sermon 24 people joined. Since that first Sunday Covenant has grown by leaps and bounds now standing as the fastest growing and one of the largest churches in the United Church of Christ with over 2500 members. Under Smith's leadership, Covenant has grown from that tiny building to a large sanctuary with office and classroom space, and a youth church facility. Not only has the church grown, but ministry has as well. Pastor Smith has guided the congregation in heading Jesus mandate to serve at least of these. The church now has 37 active ministries including a weekly food pantry, prison ministry, singles and single parent ministries, youth and adult bible study institutes, a very active seniors ministry, sports, housing, education, healthcare, legal counsel, life recovery, women's and men's fellowship, married couples and numerous children, youth, and music ministries. By following Rev. Smith's vision the church is now in the process of building its new family life center which will allow the congregation to further its mission to be a people of Afro-sensitive Christian faith empowered by Christ to embrace community through shared ministry (1 Cor 12:4-7).
Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. became Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) on March 1, 1972. Within a matter of months he demonstrated an understanding and
deep commitment to help TUCC achieve its motto and vision. The motto, "Unashamedly Black and
Unapologetically Christian," was a phrase coined by his predecessor, the Reverend Dr. Reuben
Sheares, and was officially adopted by the congregation shortly after Pastor Wright began
his ministry. Trinity United Church of Christ's membership currently exceeds 8,000 and in May 1997 a new
2,700 seat worship center was dedicated. The membership continues to grow numerically and
spiritually with large numbers of members tithing and participating in bible classes. Over
70 ministries are offered to enhance the Christian journey.
Pastor Wright holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, a Master's
degree from Howard University, an additional Master's degree from the University of Chicago
Divinity School and seven honorary doctorate degrees. He has lectured at many seminaries and
universities in the nation, and has represented Trinity and The United Church of Christ around
the world. He is recognized as a leading theologia, pastor, and has published four books and
numerous articles. He shares his life with his wife, Ramah Reed Wright, and is the father of four daughters:
Janet Marie Moore, Jeri Wright-Harris, Nikol D. Reed, and Jamila Nandi Wright; and one son,
Nathan D. Reed. He is also the grandfather of three grandchildren; Jeremiah Antonio Haynes,
Jazmin Lynne Hall and Steven L. Moore, Jr.
Reverend Lawrence E. Calbert, Sr. - Information Coming Soon!
